It Was My Mom

 

Let's be honest. My family is a combination of a lot colorful personalities, and we didn't always get along. As you can see in this picture, we were a pretty crazy bunch. But somehow, through many tears, tantrums, and a whole lot of attitude, my mom still managed to teach us and love us. We all turned out alright!

I'm convinced there was no one more perfect for this crazy family than my mom. I sure wasn't a picture perfect child, but my mom still loved me, no matter what mistakes I made, or what kind of attitude I gave her. She taught me unconditional love.

She was the one that was always there for me. She showed me that I could do anything if I put my mind to it. She taught me how to work hard, and to trust God. When my heart was broken, she would put the pieces back together. She not only came to all of my shows, concerts, and performances, she would find ways for me to use my talents for people who needed it. She didn't only keep up with me and my family's needs, but she was always collecting things to help other families in need. My mom served a full-time mission and is always doing missionary work, and that's what made me want to be a missionary.

So this Mother's Day, I would like to pay tribute to my mother. She taught me how to serve, how to love, and how to put God first. I love her with all my heart.

It was mom. It was my mom.

http://motherhood.mormon.org/

 

 

 

You Can Sing it Again

I was fifteen the first time I went a recording studio.

Initially, I was really nervous when I was invited to record, because I had never done it before. I had no idea what to expect and I felt the pressure to prove myself and my abilities.

I walked into the padded studio, put on my headphones as instructed (they let me use David Archuleta's headphones! I was a little star-struck...), and started singing, tentatively, into the microphone when the music started. As I got going, I got a little more confident, and pretty soon, I was singing like no one was listening. But then... I made a mistake.

The recording engineer stopped the music. I was expecting a disappointed look through the glass, but I was surprised to see that it didn't even phase him. He said, "Opps! Let's punch you in a few bars before we stopped, and you can sing it again."

I realized after my first session in a recording studio, that they actually record everything several times, pick the best parts, and paste them together. At first, it felt a little bit like cheating.... It caught me off guard, and I found myself thinking, "Wait.... You can make me sound better than I actually am?"

Through out the many hours I've spent in the recording studio since, I've seen how much you can really do to change what something actually is, into something that people want to listen to... :) And I'm here to tell you, nothing is perfect on our first try. Or even the second try. And we can always make up for our mistakes, no matter how intentional or unintentional they might be.

Before we lived on this earth, we lived with God, our loving Heavenly Father. When we knew we would be coming to earth, we were a little nervous. We didn't know what to expect. We had never lived in a mortal body before. We had never experienced life.

We felt pressure to prove ourselves. We wanted to show Heavenly Father what we could do, and what we could become. But, He knew we would make mistakes. It was all part of the plan, so He made sure there was a way for us to erase those mistakes so we could keep and cherish just the best parts of life. He made it possible for us to become better than we actually are. But we had to try, over and over, to get some good
cuts! And we would learn from those and the finishing product would be perfected. Not because it wasn't created with mistakes, but because through the atonement of Jesus Christ, those mistakes could be
removed.

God gave us agency. He gave us the ability to do, and Jesus Christ gives us the ability to undo. Sometimes it's difficult to forgive ourselves, because it feels a little bit like cheating. We don't easily let ourselves off the hook. But I'm here to tell you it's not cheating! He can make us better than we actually are. He's given us the tools, and He wants us to use them.

So, repent. Forgive. Let go.

We are all imperfect. Sometimes we hold grudges against others because we feel like it might be "cheating" or "unfair" to let them get away with their mistakes or errors against you. Remember, none of us are perfect. God loves them just as much as He loves you. Be patient with them, and you will find that you are happier.

I know that Jesus Christ lives, and He loves us. Let Him help you. Let Him erase your mistakes.

It's never too late to go back and sing it again.

When You Meet Resistance

When you meet resistance, don't give up.

Don't give in.

One day, you will look back and realize it was all worth it.

My service as a missionary has not been easy. In fact, it's been probably the most difficult thing I've ever done. There have been a lot of times when I have felt like giving up. But I knew that I had to stick it out because it was the right thing to do and I knew it would be worth it in the long run. I've learned to keep pushing, even when I meet resistance, because that's what makes me stronger.

We've all had experiences where we've felt pretty lost and alone, but when we look back, we realize that we learned something. We gained something. I've gained a lot of things on my mission so far because it's been hard.

This was part of a revelation given to the prophet, Joseph Smith, while he was a prisoner in Liberty Jail, on March 20, 1839. The Prophet and several of his companions had been in prison for months.

D&C 121:7-8

"7. My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity shal be but a small moment,

"8. And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high, thou shalt triumph over all thy foes."

When you meet resistance, remember it's going to be ok. It will all work out! We just need to have faith and keep pushing through. Pray to feel love. Pray to feel hope. Pray that you can be patient in your affliction. I promise if you pray, you'll be alright. It's worked for me.

I realized something important this week:

Sometimes I have no idea what to do next. Sometimes I have tried everything, and it doesn't work... again. Sometimes I really have no idea how I'm going to keep going. 

This week, I realized that in that moment lies is the whole point of mortal existence. Those difficult moments hold the ability for us to become celestial beings. It doesn't just happen one day when we are resurrected! Eternity is now! Eternal life is right now. And we are living it a step at a time. 

Those moments, where it feels like the world is falling down around you, are precious moments in the eyes of our Heavenly Father. Sometimes, He sends us blessings in the form of raindrops. He cherishes our growing pains, because He can see the results. He can see our potential. He has the big picture. We can get a small taste of that "big picture" because of the Restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We can find it in the scriptures, and when we don't know how to go on, and we don't know where to turn, we can turn to Him. He is always there for us, because He loves us. 

That is true happiness, my friends: feeling His love for us, recognizing our potential, and as a result, serving Him with all our might!

Trust in Him. He can see the big picture.

It's Possible Through Him

Today, we took the city bus everywhere. It was quite the adventure... You end up in conversations with the most interesting human beings! I'm reminded of a phrase that I heard once that has stuck with me: "Truth is stranger than fiction." That has proven to be true, as I meet all kinds of people that I definitely could never have dreamt up.

While looking out the window of the city bus and watching all of the hustle and bustle of Nashville, I realized what it is that I love about the city - the people. All of these people that I watch from the bus window are from all walks of life, and yet we all have similar stories. We all have the same desires. To be happy, to find love, and to feel like we are a part of something.

We are all connected by the fact that we are human beings. There is something great inside each one of us, because we have a divine origin: God, our loving Heavenly Father. And because we are His children, we have so much potential. There is something innately inside each one of us that drives us to become and to achieve. That is no coincidence.

I've learned recently that it's all about having a vision for yourself. That vision of who it is that you want to become, and what it is that you want to achieve. That stems from remembering the simple truth of your true identity and purpose. If you remember that, you become unstoppable. As a child of God, you have endless potential.

It's so important to remember that in today's world. There are so many competing messages in the media; that you have to look this way, or act this way. But in actuality: YOU CAN BE WHO EVER YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME.
And that's the truth.

Jesus Christ gave us that ability when He suffered for our imperfections, so that we could have the chance to become better and to perfect ourselves. We are all imperfect, but have the power to change. To deny that ability to change, is to deny the power of His eternal sacrifice. When we truly begin to understand Jesus Christ, who He is and what He has done for us, we will begin to see our potential.

Click on the picture to view an amazing Easter video called, Because of Him.

That's what I've learned this week.
That it's all been made possible through Him.
#BecauseofHim

Don't ever let the world blind you, and tell you that only one kind of person is acceptable. Because you are accepted and loved no matter who you are and what you do. Isn't that comforting? I don't ever have to earn love. I can receive it freely whenever I need it through talking to my Father in Heaven. He loves me, and He loves you. And He wants you to dream big, but to take life a step at a time. It's ok if we mess up. Embrace each moment and remember it's a gift from Him.

Be where your feet are.

Because that's what life is all about: living.

There's No Catch When it Comes to Jesus

Today, I feel blessed. 

I had multiple "Ah HA! How did I not realize this before?!" moments this week.

I learned that God answers prayers and that He's actually listening to what I am saying to Him. You hear this your whole life, but when you actually experience it, it's life changing. You realize how close He actually is to you, and you experience just a small portion of how much He must love you.

We are eternal beings. We are connected to God. We can strengthen that connection with Him as we diligently and faithfully seek Him. Why would you want to do this? Because, Christ-like love is the most important, most fundamental, human need. When we feel that love, we feel whole. We feel complete.

So, if you feel distant from God, or would like to be happier in your life, listen up! The prophets and apostles have given us specific prescriptions for this ailment, but do we actually take the time to use it? You can be healed of every affliction life has thrown at you. But you have to be ready and willing. It will change your life, you will feel whole. You will feel complete.

Don't give up. It can happen for you. It's not just an idea or a philosophy. It's real! I've never been so sure of anything in my life. Jesus Christ lives, and He is ready to heal you, to comfort you. But you have to ask.

Step 1: Asking Him specifically for things

"26. And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name;

and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as surely as Christ

liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing

ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing

that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you.

27. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because

Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand

of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon

the children of men?" -Moroni 7:26-27

I know that miracles have not ceased. He continues to give us the answers and guidance that we are looking for, but we have to ask Him.

Step 2: Make time to listen for the guidance

I have really felt the power of taking time to ponder and to meditate on my mission. It's my time to truly connect with God and listen to what He has to say. Take the time to listen. Pay attention to the thoughts and impressions that come to your mind and then write them down. Take time to search the scriptures and ponder concepts and questions that you have.

Step 3: Watch for confirmation 

Pay attention to when your miracles happen. Often times, if you are looking for your prayers to be answered, you will see Him give you answers over and over in small ways and in big ways. Then, WRITE THEM DOWN, so you don't forget!

As you repeat this cycle over and over again, you will feel Him closer to you. Your testimony will increase. The spirit will increase in your life, and you will be changed.

I realized I have never found true happiness until my mission. NOTHING can shake me. I may have temporary set-backs or disappointments, but because I feel that love all the time, I am constantly at peace. Even though I live in a world of chaos, I can clearly feel and listen to the spirit. It's amazing. And remember, this is promised to us in the scriptures. Well, I'm here to tell you that it's possible. I'm a living witness.

It sounds too good to be true, but let me tell you something:
there's no catch when it comes to Jesus.